Iker Muniain has reflected that Athletic Bilbao’s League position and not the fact that it is a derby, makes beating Real Sociedad this Friday important.

Week 25’s opening fixture sees Athletic play host to Basque rivals Real 14th in the table and just six points above the relegation zone.

“Our current situation is above everything else. We want to be out of it as soon as possible and we hope to put together a run of wins to be a little higher in the table,” commented Muniain to reporters this week.

“Real are in a sweet moment, they are doing well, despite having played eight consecutive games against 10 men.

“It is a bit surprising, the expulsions for the last eight opponents Real Sociedad have faced, but we must not focus on this topic.

“We know what referees have to whistle for. We have not been favoured too much lately. That’s no excuse, but it is a fact.”

Muniain was asked again of possibly opening up contract negotiations with Athletic. His current deal expires in June 2015.

“I do not want to talk about it, nor I do I think it is appropriate to do so now.”

Follow Football Espana on Facebook and Twitter for the latest Spanish football chat